The Director General, National Youth Service Corps NYSC, Brig General Muhammad Kaku Fadah has commended the corps members for displaying matured conduct and spirit of togetherness throughout the 3-day 2022 NYSC Annual Sports and Cultural Festival held in Abuja.
General Fadah gave this commendation at the closing ceremony of the Sports Festival held at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja today 21st September,2022.
“This festival commenced two days ago as a platform for showcasing the talents of our Corps members in various sports events.
“You would recall that in spite of the heavy rain during the opening ceremony, the Corps members performed exceptionally well to the admiration of all. That was a demonstration of the resilient spirit and ability to adapt to changing situations, which are part of the attributes of the typical Nigerian.
“The main objectives of the National Youth Service Corps, the festival also served as an avenue for promoting national unity and integration through the interactions of youths of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Indeed, the spirit of brotherhood that manifested throughout the event was an encouraging demonstration of their belief in one Nigeria.
“In the course of the fiesta, which featured competitions in football, volleyball and athletics, these young men and women demonstrated team work, discipline, and sportsmanship. Moreover, their performances in these games were indicative of their great potentials. Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that a good number of them can make successful careers in sports.
” It is my ardent hope that you will continue to apply the passion, hard work, resilience and discipline with which you prepared for this event in all worthy endeavours. As we expect announcement of results of the various events in a moment, I implore you to accept them as the products of most demonstrable objectivity, fairness and neutrality”DG said.
He therefore thanked all stakeholders, including sponsors, whose support contributed to the success of the Festival.He implored them to keep up the tempo of support to enable NYSC sustain the gains of the fiesta.
“I thank the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, for the continued support and encouragement given to the Scheme and, in particular, for identifying with us throughout this Festival. Our gratitude also goes to the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board and all other distinguished guests for honouring our invitation”.
Earlier in his speech,NYSC Director, Community Development Service and Special Projects, Alhaji Abdulrazak Salawu said that in the entire three days of rigorous sporting activities at the festival, there was no recorded casualties of any sort,he maintained that the fundamental objective for the competitions was to develop and promote the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and coexistence which are all pivotal to the unity and integration of all Nigerians.
“At the end of this exercise, I have no doubt that the likes of Daniel Amokachi (the Bull), J. J. Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume and so on, would have been discovered.
“Special appreciation goes to our amiable Director-General, Brigadier General MK Fadah for supporting this programme which is aimed at fostering national unity and integration. This, no doubt, has the capacity of immensely improving the visibility of the Scheme; same view shared by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development and the Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board.
“I am also mindful of our co-sponsors who have invested time and resources to make this event memorable. We are indeed very grateful to you all.
“Our appreciation also goes to the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development and Managers of Moshood Abiola Stadium who graciously released this facility for us to host the festival. I cannot forget members of the Organising Committee who relentlessly ensured the success of this occasion.
“To our Footballers, Volleyball players and Track Racers, you have indeed put in a most impressive performance that has convinced this illustrious gathering that we have what it takes to make Nigeria greater through sports. Go with the assurance that in these contests, there are no winners, and no losers. What is paramount is your zeal, perseverance and sense of humility. I celebrate you all”. Salawu stated.
Highlight of the event was presentation of Trophies and Awards to emerged winners and participants who are serving corps members from different states.
The annual NYSC Sport and Cultural Festival closing ceremony had in attendance;Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board,Amb.Fatima Balla Abubakar, who was represented by a member of the Governing Board, Hajiya Binta Muazu, Representatives of Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Corps Members and other stakeholders.